Xronixle

Vinestead Universe #1

by Daniel Verastiqui

"A snowflake fell amongst the digital trees, pulsing lightly as it passed between its brothers, floating down to the white ground. X stood with his hands on the railing of the wooden bridge he had just finished creating, admiring the texture. It felt just like it would have in Terrareal, out there where nature was the true creator, where the bridge was just the sum result of necessity, a tool to be used to cross the oft-empty creek below it. But here, in the virtual construct, buried deep in the outer reaches of the Net, it was a true miracle. To make it feel like it did, smell like it did, was a feat that X took great pride in."When X discovers that his long distance relationship with C is about to end, he copies her mind and loads her into a virtual avatar in the Net. But in his haste to preserve his high school sweetheart, X forgets to program the one feature he ends up needing how to turn her off.Now it is up to Natalie and G to rescue their friend from the farthest reaches of the Net. Along the way, they must battle a cipher who cannot be killed, a virus that cannot be stopped, and a global conglomerate that will do anything to seize control of the precious Net.Preview available at danielverastiqui.com. Also available in print.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2007

About the author

Daniel Verastiqui is a cyberpunk science fiction author based in Austin, Texas. With eight books published, he explores the intersections of technology and humanity in vivid, futuristic worlds. He is currently writing The Vinestead Anthology, a series of novels set in a shared universe yet standing alone as unique stories. His work offers a thrilling mix of suspense, action, and thought-provoking themes that delve into an alternate digital age where technology threatens the world and everyone in it.

His next book, House of Nepenthe, is scheduled for release in 2026. Visit danielverastiqui.com for more details.

Reviews

[Jazzerjay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I certainly enjoyed what this book promised from the description and other's reviews. Probably one of the biggest problems with science fiction writing is not explaining a few aspects of the technology involved. Still, I did like the book for what was presented story wise.

[Cookie M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Too long. Too sophmoric. Badly Needs editing. Basically, sprung from a young guy's dream of a virtual world where you can create versions of girls you desire and turn them into your sex slaves. And they can do it to you. And you can be manipulated by some evil presences.You know, just like that story you started to write in college and then realized it was no good.

[Julia Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading Xronixle and I still love it. Great story and introduction to the Vinestead universe. This is a must read to set you on a wonderful journey in many more books to come.